Chefs Karena Armstrong, Emma McCaskill and Clare Falzon unite for a dinner tribute honouring their Mum's cooking
Everyone knows there’s nothing quite like a mum’s cooking.
“Given their decision to support other women, their diverse cultural heritages and their reflections on cooking with their mothers, the theme ‘Mum’s Favourites’ seemed particularly fitting,”
And it seems powerhouse Adelaide chefs Karena Armstrong, Emma McCaskill and Clare Falzon would agree.
On June 18, the trio are joining forces with the Marchetti family at the Salopian Inn to bring to life a very special one-night-only dinner in support of a powerful cause.
Named Mum’s Favourites, this fundraising feast will showcase the dishes that shaped the chefs themselves – aka meals inspired by their incredible mums.
“Given their decision to support other women, their diverse cultural heritages and their reflections on cooking with their mothers, the theme ‘Mum’s Favourites’ seemed particularly fitting,” Sam Marchetti tells.
As chef Karena Armstrong puts it, there’s nothing quite like the nostalgia that comes with cooking that takes you back to your childhood.
“Mum always had something on when I was little; our house always had something simmering or baking. Mum made our bread and I remember that wholemeal loaf smell like it was yesterday. And raspberries and ice cream. I thought I was so hard done by – we grew our own raspberries and ate them every day. I wanted Ice Magic. I had no idea how lucky I was.”
But the dinner is about more than just good food. As part of the Salopian Inn’s broader #helpasheilaout initiative, a community-focused program dedicated to supporting women across South Australia, all proceeds from the event will go directly to Catherine House, a vital organisation providing crisis accommodation, trauma-informed care and long-term support for women experiencing homelessness.
“Team Salopian have been committed to engaging with the local and broader South Australian community, whether it be through volunteering time at charity dinners, offering gift vouchers to fundraisers, sponsoring the local Christmas pageant or our community artist program,” explains co-owner Sam.
The Mum’s Favourites evening itself promises to be more than just an exceptional meal. Guests can expect a night of wines poured and discussed by representatives from producers including Oliver’s Taranga, Samson Tall, In Praise of Shadows, Sherrah, Grant Nash, Battle of Bosworth and Aphelion, creating an immersive, story-driven dining experience.
A silent auction will also feature a range of uniquely South Australian experiences, from cow cuddles at Wildhand Farm to Kangaroo Island stays, McLaren Vale tours, wine packs and restaurant vouchers – all contributing to the fundraising effort.
For the Salopian Inn team, this event continues a long-standing commitment to community giving, from previous Catherine House fundraisers to initiatives like “Fill the Caddy” and produce-driven campaigns supporting women and families in need. For them, food is not just hospitality, but connection, and has always been at the core of both the Marchetti family’s and Karena’s way of connecting with people.
“Sharing a meal is a great way to start conversations and for communities to come together. Food and wine are at the core of our local community and whether at a movie night, a sausage sizzle or a dinner we have organised, there does seem to be the sharing of a meal at the heart of it.”
Mum’s Favourites at The Salopian Inn Where: Main Rd, McLaren Vale, SA 5171.